The mother of 4-year-old Carnel Chamberlain, the boy found dead in June after a week-long search in Mount Pleasant, has avoided prison time with a plea agreement. Jaimee Chamberlain, 21, appeared in Emmet County District Court on Monday, Dec. 31, and pleaded guilty to possessing marijuana, court officials said.

A former pastor who stands accused of brutally killing a 24-year-old woman inside her Isabella County home on Halloween was declared competent to stand trial on Wednesday, Jan. 2, by Isabella County Judge William T. Ervin.